Matt Collette
@mattcollette.bsky.social
Attorney. DOJ Civ App. alum. Double Dog Dad. Survivor. Was never very good at ice hockey (but I tried). D.C/Maryland and Ogdensburg NY.
"You don't seem like a Californian. [Pause] Particularly not a SOUTHERN Californian."
From a DOJ colleague (who I called "dude" every time I saw him after that).
From a DOJ colleague (who I called "dude" every time I saw him after that).
Forget insults, what’s the most unhinged *compliment* you’ve ever received?
December 31, 2025 at 1:59 PM
"You don't seem like a Californian. [Pause] Particularly not a SOUTHERN Californian."
From a DOJ colleague (who I called "dude" every time I saw him after that).
From a DOJ colleague (who I called "dude" every time I saw him after that).
"Collette, you couldn't block your way out of a wet paper sack!"
Coach Sims, sophomore year at La Mirada HS (it was one of his favorite rants and not entirely without merit).
Coach Sims, sophomore year at La Mirada HS (it was one of his favorite rants and not entirely without merit).
What's an insult you'll never forget?
December 26, 2025 at 2:42 AM
"Collette, you couldn't block your way out of a wet paper sack!"
Coach Sims, sophomore year at La Mirada HS (it was one of his favorite rants and not entirely without merit).
Coach Sims, sophomore year at La Mirada HS (it was one of his favorite rants and not entirely without merit).
Some people say Golden Retrievers are smart ...
December 21, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Some people say Golden Retrievers are smart ...
There is no such thing as a "short' flight to or from O'Hare Airport. The only question is whether the time on the tarmac will exceed the time in the air.
At this point I'm not sure if we're just going to taxi to Ottawa on the plane instead of fly.
At this point I'm not sure if we're just going to taxi to Ottawa on the plane instead of fly.
December 19, 2025 at 12:50 AM
There is no such thing as a "short' flight to or from O'Hare Airport. The only question is whether the time on the tarmac will exceed the time in the air.
At this point I'm not sure if we're just going to taxi to Ottawa on the plane instead of fly.
At this point I'm not sure if we're just going to taxi to Ottawa on the plane instead of fly.
Interesting to see there are no career DOJ attorneys on this filing.
BREAKING: DOJ has filed a mandamus petition at the DC Circuit, seeking to stop next week’s contempt proceedings before Judge Boasberg. They have also filed a motion to stay the proceedings directly with Boasberg.
![JORAL ARGUMENT NOT SCHEDULED]
No. 25--
IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CIRCUIT
In re DONALD J. TRUMP, in his official capacity, et al.,
Petitioners.
On Petition for a Writ of Mandamus to the United States
District Court for the District of Columbia
Case No: 1:25-cv-00766-JEB
PETITION FOR A WRIT OF MANDAMUS
BRETT A. SHUMATE
Assistant Attorney General
YAAKOV M. ROTH
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General
TIBERIUS DAVIS
Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General
Civil Division
U.S. Department of Justice](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:36eqtmzysqf7wsslczw4uxcd/bafkreifgrkondpcwk3xzgalmpz5i4jgbmvrcfwxqwry5qyy5fbkwr45a3u@jpeg)
December 12, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Interesting to see there are no career DOJ attorneys on this filing.
Ravens-Steelers in the battle for AFC North supremacy (aka the Mediocrity Bowl).
December 7, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Ravens-Steelers in the battle for AFC North supremacy (aka the Mediocrity Bowl).
The good part of the leaves falling off the trees is that we have a view of the eagle who likes to perch in the tree out back.
November 26, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The good part of the leaves falling off the trees is that we have a view of the eagle who likes to perch in the tree out back.
Reposted by Matt Collette
Happy Exploding Whale Day for those who celebrate :)
55 years ago today, the Oregon State Highway Division had a whale of a problem on its hands. How it solved it is the stuff of legends.
In other words: Happy Exploding Whale Day!
In other words: Happy Exploding Whale Day!
The Exploding Whale: An infamous moment in Oregon history creates a strangely beloved icon
YouTube video by KATU News
youtu.be
November 12, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Happy Exploding Whale Day for those who celebrate :)
Mamdani is going to implement Maria Reynolds law and I just can't say no to this.
Mamdani is going to implement Maria law. And, honestly, I'm not sure how to solve a problem like that.
Mamdani is going to implement Shari Lewis law.
Everyone will be required to stick their fist up a lamb's a
Excuse me, there's someone at the door.
Everyone will be required to stick their fist up a lamb's a
Excuse me, there's someone at the door.
November 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Mamdani is going to implement Maria Reynolds law and I just can't say no to this.
Reposted by Matt Collette
A leading federal judge quits in protest of Trump's corruption-- & to fight it
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Why I Am Leaving the Federal Bench
A judge explains his reasons for resigning.
www.theatlantic.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:51 PM
A leading federal judge quits in protest of Trump's corruption-- & to fight it
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Wow
www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/1...
Hope it's true. With those people gone we can provide health care for all and sensible gun restrictions. Just think of what we can accomplish without them standing in the way!
Got sucked into the side of TikTok commenting on the trend in American evangelicalism right now—where there’s a growing belief that that the rapture will happen this Tuesday—September 23rd
This is due to a of set of things happening in Israel interpreted through a tangled "Left Behind" theology+
This is due to a of set of things happening in Israel interpreted through a tangled "Left Behind" theology+
September 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Hope it's true. With those people gone we can provide health care for all and sensible gun restrictions. Just think of what we can accomplish without them standing in the way!
It was dark and I didn't see the skunk in the backyard.
One of the dogs definitely saw the skunk and decided it was prey. He paid the price of his hubris.
And now we are paying the price as well.
If you're wondering, the price continues for a while (3 days and the meter is still running).
One of the dogs definitely saw the skunk and decided it was prey. He paid the price of his hubris.
And now we are paying the price as well.
If you're wondering, the price continues for a while (3 days and the meter is still running).
September 17, 2025 at 9:48 PM
It was dark and I didn't see the skunk in the backyard.
One of the dogs definitely saw the skunk and decided it was prey. He paid the price of his hubris.
And now we are paying the price as well.
If you're wondering, the price continues for a while (3 days and the meter is still running).
One of the dogs definitely saw the skunk and decided it was prey. He paid the price of his hubris.
And now we are paying the price as well.
If you're wondering, the price continues for a while (3 days and the meter is still running).
The rains in Canada.
August 29, 2025 at 11:07 PM
The rains in Canada.
Kid next door is going to kayak across the St. Lawrence to Canada today (parents accompanying in their boat). I told him to map out the currents and potential good landing spots ... for no reason whatsoever. Nope, no reason at all to do that- just totally out of curiosity.
July 29, 2025 at 4:06 PM
Kid next door is going to kayak across the St. Lawrence to Canada today (parents accompanying in their boat). I told him to map out the currents and potential good landing spots ... for no reason whatsoever. Nope, no reason at all to do that- just totally out of curiosity.
I wasn't a ringer or even a particularly good player but I scored 4 goals in a beer league hockey game once. I still have the score sheet.
what is your personal sports highlight?
mine is: down 2 with like 4 seconds left, deflection sends ball into corner
guy throws the ball in to midcourt and i intercept it, and pass to my teammate who gets fouled shooting a 3
2/3 FT, go to OT
they are down 1, i stuff the j at the elbow. win
mine is: down 2 with like 4 seconds left, deflection sends ball into corner
guy throws the ball in to midcourt and i intercept it, and pass to my teammate who gets fouled shooting a 3
2/3 FT, go to OT
they are down 1, i stuff the j at the elbow. win
July 26, 2025 at 11:33 PM
I wasn't a ringer or even a particularly good player but I scored 4 goals in a beer league hockey game once. I still have the score sheet.
D.C. Legal Job Alert! The Retail Litigation Center is hiring a VP of litigation. I can say from personal knowledge that the incoming President of the RLA (Monica Welt) is super smart and very nice, so this looks like a prime job.
secure.builtapp.com/rila/jobs/cc...
secure.builtapp.com/rila/jobs/cc...
Vice President, Litigation (Retail Litigation Center) @ RILA | Built
secure.builtapp.com
July 22, 2025 at 3:43 PM
D.C. Legal Job Alert! The Retail Litigation Center is hiring a VP of litigation. I can say from personal knowledge that the incoming President of the RLA (Monica Welt) is super smart and very nice, so this looks like a prime job.
secure.builtapp.com/rila/jobs/cc...
secure.builtapp.com/rila/jobs/cc...
Reposted by Matt Collette
William F. Buckley’s Bill Never Came Due - defector.com/william-f-bu...
William F. Buckley's Bill Never Came Due | Defector
Perhaps the highest praise I can offer a book that took 27 years to complete and runs over 1,000 pages is that I can see why, and that it doesn’t feel like it. Sam Tanenhaus’s extremely long and anxio...
defector.com
July 19, 2025 at 10:36 AM
William F. Buckley’s Bill Never Came Due - defector.com/william-f-bu...
I was proud to join so many of my former colleagues in signing this letter.
Justice Connection sent a letter signed by 900+ former DOJ attorneys urging the Senate Judiciary Committee to rigorously examine Emil Bove’s assault on the department and rule of law before voting on a lifetime judicial appointment.
Our full letter: bit.ly/3Ul58Ac
Our full letter: bit.ly/3Ul58Ac
July 16, 2025 at 8:34 PM
I was proud to join so many of my former colleagues in signing this letter.
I am not surprised he would behave this way. I have it on good authority that Wittgenstein was a beery swine who was just as schlossed as Schlegel.
July 8, 2025 at 12:41 PM
I am not surprised he would behave this way. I have it on good authority that Wittgenstein was a beery swine who was just as schlossed as Schlegel.
Happy Canada day to my Canuck friends across the river!
July 2, 2025 at 12:34 AM
Happy Canada day to my Canuck friends across the river!
IDK this doesn't strike me as the situation of a guy born on third base and thinks he hit a triple.
It's more like a guy who was born on second base and knows he's the extra inning ghost runner who got there without getting a hit.
It's more like a guy who was born on second base and knows he's the extra inning ghost runner who got there without getting a hit.
Despite his own privileged path to power, or perhaps because of it, the son of a Columbia University professor and a movie director is campaigning as a socialist intent on redistributing New York’s wealth.
Here’s How Much New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani Is Worth
Despite his own privileged path to power, or perhaps because of it, the son of a Columbia University professor and a movie director is campaigning as a socialist intent on redistributing New York’s wealth.
www.forbes.com
June 25, 2025 at 1:03 PM
IDK this doesn't strike me as the situation of a guy born on third base and thinks he hit a triple.
It's more like a guy who was born on second base and knows he's the extra inning ghost runner who got there without getting a hit.
It's more like a guy who was born on second base and knows he's the extra inning ghost runner who got there without getting a hit.
No Kings. Canton NY.
June 14, 2025 at 2:46 PM
No Kings. Canton NY.
LinkedIn has become incredibly depressing. It seems that half the posts I see begin with "today is my last day at the Department of Justice . . . ."
June 10, 2025 at 1:21 PM
LinkedIn has become incredibly depressing. It seems that half the posts I see begin with "today is my last day at the Department of Justice . . . ."
Took 3 weeks but our on-site order from Portugal has arrived. In retrospect we may have gone overboard, but the Port was SO good.
June 2, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Took 3 weeks but our on-site order from Portugal has arrived. In retrospect we may have gone overboard, but the Port was SO good.